Sou Hu Cai Jing·2026-01-08 15:54Core Viewpoint - The strategic merger between China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) and China National Aviation Fuel Group (China Aviation Fuel) aims to create a comprehensive "super aircraft carrier" that integrates the entire aviation fuel supply chain, enhancing competitiveness and promoting green transformation in the aviation fuel industry [2][5][8] Group 1: Strength of the Companies - Sinopec is the world's largest refining company and China's top aviation fuel producer, with a registered capital of 326.5 billion RMB and a market capitalization of 689.8 billion RMB as of the merger announcement [3] - China Aviation Fuel is Asia's largest integrated aviation fuel service provider, covering procurement, transportation, storage, testing, sales, and refueling, serving 585 global airline customers [3] Group 2: Motivation for the Merger - The merger is driven by strong market demand and the complementary strengths of both companies, with global aviation fuel demand projected to reach 389 million tons by 2025, a 3.9% increase [4] - The merger aims to streamline operations, allowing Sinopec's aviation fuel to reach end customers directly through China Aviation Fuel's network, thus maximizing the value of the supply chain [4] Group 3: Strategic Value - The merger supports the low-carbon development of China's aviation industry, with Sinopec making significant advancements in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which can reduce carbon emissions by over 50% compared to traditional aviation fuel [5] - The integration enhances China's competitive position in the global aviation fuel market, which is currently dominated by companies like Shell and BP, by creating a unified operational capability across the entire aviation fuel supply chain [6] Group 4: Multi-Dimensional Impact - The merger is expected to lower aviation fuel costs, alleviating financial pressure on airlines and promoting healthier industry development [7] - Consumers will benefit from improved service reliability and potentially lower travel costs due to optimized operational efficiencies [7] - The combined asset quality and profitability of the merged entity will provide a more attractive investment opportunity in the capital market, enhancing the recognition of state-owned capital [7] Group 5: Industry Restructuring - The merger signifies a new era of collaborative development in China's aviation fuel industry, positioning it as a core force in high-quality energy development and global competition [8] - The integration is expected to enhance the efficiency of state capital allocation and strengthen China's international influence in the aviation fuel sector [8]